Terry Fox awe-inspiring Marathon of Hope helped unite the battle to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. (Terryfox.org)

By Ian Holmes

Iconic figure

‘He’s the gold standard:’ Terry Fox Run continues legacy of iconic Canadian

Sep 15, 2024 | 8:10 AM

NANAIMO — Every year, thousands of Canadians in more than 650 communities converge to raise money for cancer research and to preserve the legacy of a legend.

The annual Terry Fox Run takes place on Sunday, Sept 15, with Nanaimo’s event happening at Bowen Park between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., with registration starting at 9 a.m.

Mayor Leonard Krog, who speaks annually at the Nanaimo event, called Fox the ultimate Canadian hero.

“Terry Fox is a model for what all of us should aspire to be and that is to be people who care about our communities, who care about one another – we are at our best when we are doing for others,” Krog told NanaimoNewsNOW.

The 44th annual Terry Fox Run in Nanaimo involves a course with multiple length options from Bowen Park to Buttertubs Marsh.

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While some participants run, many jog or walk, while other forms of active transportation like cyclists are also welcome.

This year’s fundraising goal of $17,000 by organizers of the Nanaimo Terry Fox Run has already been surpassed.

Krog said Fox’s legacy has had an immeasurable impact on society, not only by raising money and awareness to fight cancer but also by demonstrating the value of community service.

“He’s the gold standard for citizenship and I would hope that young people recognize that in a world where we’re so obsessed with self and individuality, we forget that we are all part of a collective.”

According to the Terry Fox Foundation, more than $900 million has been raised around the world to support leading-edge cancer research through the Terry Fox Research Institute.

Funds funnelled to the foundation go to scientists in laboratories, clinics and hospitals across Canada.

Fox, who spent most of his childhood in Port Coquitlam, had his right leg amputated to help prevent the spread of bone cancer, and launched his Marathon of Hope on April 12, 1980, in St. Johns. Nfld.

Nearly five months later Fox was forced to abandon his inspiring journey in Thunder Bay, Ont. when cancer reached his lungs.

He died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22 after running nearly 5,400 kilometres to raise awareness for cancer research.

While Fox passed away 43 years ago, Krog became emotional as he vividly recalled learning of his passing while watching a news broadcast.

“I was sitting with my wife and we both cried. The nation produced something quite wonderful in Terry Fox.”

Numerous other Terry Fox Run events are happening throughout the mid-Island region.

Parksville’s Terry Fox Run happens from 10 a.m. to noon at Rathtrevor Provincial Park, with registration opening at 9 a.m.

Ladysmith’s event goes at 11 a.m. at Frank Jameson Community Centre with registration coordinated online.

Gabriola Island’s Terry Fox Run starts at 11 a.m. (registration at 10 a.m.) at Xwcumi:lucun (Twin Beaches)

Donations to the Terry Fox Foundation can conveniently be made online here.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 47,300 males and 40,800 females across Canada will have died from cancer this year.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes